USAID contract for HIV/AIDS programming in Uganda awarded to Social & Scientific Systems, Inc. for over $42M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $42,149,002 ($42.1M)

Contractor: Social & Scientific Systems, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Agency for International Development

Start Date: 2017-05-26

End Date: 2025-05-31

Contract Duration: 2,927 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF TO FACILITATE, PROMOTE AND ENHANCE EVIDENCE BASED PROGRAMMING AND REPORTING IN UGANDAS HEALTH SYSTEM, PARTICULARLY ITS RESPONSE AGAINST THE HIV AIDS EPIDEMIC

Plain-Language Summary

Agency for International Development obligated $42.1 million to SOCIAL & SCIENTIFIC SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF TO FACILITATE, PROMOTE AND ENHANCE EVIDENCE BASED PROGRAMMING AND REPORTING IN UGANDAS HEALTH SYSTEM, PARTICULARLY ITS RESPONSE AGAINST THE HIV AIDS EPIDEMIC Key points: 1. Contract aims to bolster evidence-based programming and reporting for Uganda's health system, with a specific focus on the HIV/AIDS epidemic. 2. The contract's duration of approximately 8 years (2927 days) suggests a long-term commitment to addressing complex public health challenges. 3. Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a broad search for qualified contractors. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee, potentially incentivizing cost control. 5. The specific NAICS code 541990 covers 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' a broad category that encompasses the specialized nature of this public health initiative. 6. The contract's value of over $42 million signifies a substantial investment in improving health outcomes in Uganda.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of over $42 million for an 8-year period appears reasonable for a comprehensive public health initiative focused on a critical epidemic like HIV/AIDS. Benchmarking against similar large-scale international health programs would provide further context, but the scope suggests a significant undertaking. The CPFF contract type is common for complex projects where costs can be variable, but it requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is generally expected to lead to better pricing and service offerings. The presence of 3 bidders (as indicated by 'no': 3) provides a reasonable level of competition, allowing the agency to select the most advantageous offer.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best value for funds allocated to critical international health programs. Open competition increases the likelihood that the awarded contract represents a cost-effective solution.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the citizens of Uganda, particularly those affected by or at risk of HIV/AIDS, through improved health services and programming. The contract will deliver enhanced evidence-based programming and reporting capabilities within Uganda's health system. The geographic impact is focused on Uganda, aiming to strengthen national health infrastructure and response mechanisms. Workforce implications include potential capacity building for local health professionals and support staff involved in program implementation and data management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The broad nature of 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' could lead to scope creep if not tightly managed.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight to prevent cost overruns and ensure efficiency.
Reliance on a single contractor for a significant period necessitates robust performance monitoring to ensure continued quality and impact.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
The long contract duration suggests a commitment to sustained impact and partnership.
Focus on evidence-based programming aligns with best practices in public health and aid effectiveness.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically targeting public health and international development. The market for such services is characterized by specialized expertise, often involving non-profit organizations, consulting firms, and research institutions. Spending in this area is driven by government foreign aid objectives and the need for technical assistance in developing countries. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other USAID or global health initiatives focused on disease control and health system strengthening.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided in the data. However, given the nature and scale of this contract, it is possible that opportunities for small businesses may exist through subcontracting arrangements, particularly for specialized services or local support. Further investigation into the contractor's subcontracting plan would be necessary to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Agency for International Development (USAID), likely through its contracting officers and program officials. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's performance work statement, requiring regular reporting and adherence to milestones. Transparency is typically managed through public contract databases and reporting requirements, though specific project details might be limited. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply for any potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Global Health Security Agenda
PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief)
USAID Health Systems Strengthening Programs
International HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF contract type.
Scope definition and management challenges in broad technical services.
Dependency on contractor performance for long-term program success.
Ensuring effective data utilization for programmatic impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Agency for International Development awarded $42.1 million to SOCIAL & SCIENTIFIC SYSTEMS, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF TO FACILITATE, PROMOTE AND ENHANCE EVIDENCE BASED PROGRAMMING AND REPORTING IN UGANDAS HEALTH SYSTEM, PARTICULARLY ITS RESPONSE AGAINST THE HIV AIDS EPIDEMIC

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SOCIAL & SCIENTIFIC SYSTEMS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Agency for International Development (Agency for International Development).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $42.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-05-26. End: 2025-05-31.

What is the track record of Social & Scientific Systems, Inc. in managing large-scale international health contracts, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa?

Social & Scientific Systems, Inc. (SSS) has a history of working on significant public health initiatives, often funded by agencies like USAID. Their experience typically includes data collection, analysis, program evaluation, and technical assistance in areas such as infectious diseases, maternal and child health, and health systems strengthening. While specific details on their performance for this particular contract are not provided, their general profile suggests they are an established player in the global health contracting space. A deeper dive into their past performance reviews, past performance questionnaires from similar solicitations, and any publicly available reports on their project outcomes would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of their track record in managing large-scale, long-term international health contracts, especially within the context of sub-Saharan Africa and HIV/AIDS programming.

How does the awarded value of over $42 million compare to similar contracts for HIV/AIDS programming and health system strengthening in Uganda or comparable countries?

The awarded value of over $42 million for an approximately 8-year contract focused on HIV/AIDS programming and health system strengthening in Uganda is substantial. To benchmark this effectively, one would need to compare it against similar large-scale, multi-year initiatives funded by USAID, the Global Fund, or other major international donors in Uganda and other countries with similar epidemiological profiles and development needs. Factors such as the specific scope of work (e.g., direct service delivery vs. technical assistance, research, capacity building), the number of implementing partners, and the prevailing cost structures for technical expertise and program implementation in the region would influence comparability. Without access to a database of comparable contract values and scopes, it's difficult to definitively state whether this represents high or low value, but the amount indicates a significant investment in addressing a critical public health issue.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and expected outcomes for this contract, and how will success be measured?

The specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and expected outcomes for this contract are not detailed in the provided data. However, given the contract's objective to 'facilitate, promote and enhance evidence based programming and reporting in Uganda's health system, particularly its response against the HIV AIDS epidemic,' success would likely be measured by improvements in data quality, the utilization of data for programmatic decision-making, enhanced reporting capabilities, and ultimately, a measurable impact on the HIV/AIDS epidemic response. This could include metrics related to increased testing, treatment adherence, prevention program effectiveness, and reduced transmission rates. The contract's performance work statement (PWS) would typically outline these KPIs, targets, and the methodology for monitoring and evaluation, allowing USAID to assess the contractor's performance and the program's overall effectiveness.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar technical services related to public health and HIV/AIDS programming by the Agency for International Development?

The Agency for International Development (USAID) historically allocates significant funding towards global health initiatives, with a substantial portion dedicated to combating HIV/AIDS and strengthening health systems in partner countries. Spending in this area is often channeled through large, multi-year contracts and grants, similar to the one awarded to Social & Scientific Systems, Inc. Historical data would likely show consistent investment in technical assistance, program implementation, research, and monitoring and evaluation services related to HIV/AIDS. The specific amounts can vary year-to-year based on global health priorities, funding appropriations, and the needs of recipient countries. Analyzing USAID's budget allocations and contract awards over the past decade would reveal trends in spending on technical services for public health, highlighting the consistent importance placed on programs like PEPFAR and broader health system strengthening efforts.

Are there any identified risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this specific project, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, while common for complex projects, carries inherent risks, primarily related to cost control. The government agrees to pay the contractor's actual allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. This can incentivize contractors to incur higher costs if the fixed fee is substantial, as their profit margin remains constant regardless of the total cost. For this project, risks could include potential cost overruns if project complexities are underestimated or if inefficiencies arise. Mitigation strategies typically employed by USAID include rigorous cost monitoring, detailed review of incurred costs, establishing realistic budgets and ceilings, and strong performance management to ensure the contractor is operating efficiently and effectively towards achieving the contract's objectives. Clear definition of allowable costs and robust auditing processes are also crucial.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: SOL-617-16-000013

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: DLH Holdings Corp

Address: 8757 GEORGIA AVE STE 1200, SILVER SPRING, MD, 20910

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $43,502,394

Exercised Options: $43,502,394

Current Obligation: $42,149,002

Actual Outlays: $29,008,489

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 9

Total Subaward Amount: $5,314,150

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline